FESTIVE FILMS – These are a staple part of the annual Christmas diet. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and just after, television and cinema is filled with themed movies. Some are good, some are really bad, but all get you in the mood for a good party…

SANTA CLAUS – THE MOVIE (1985) – This movie tells the story of how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the head elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (many versions!) – In this, an old man named Ebenezer Scrooge (like a Scotsman, doesn’t like to help people or give money) is taught by three ghosts how be compassionate towards others. This comes from a short story by Charles Dickens.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1993) - A little girl discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle - Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) - Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) - It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Like all the Vacation movies, this is hilarious. Watch it!